HOLISTIC - Four words for safe swimming
- Ronalyn
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
We may be hinterland-dwellers, but when summer comes we like to hit the beach and the surf! However, in the rush to cool off or take a relaxing dip, we can miss signs that, unfortunately, put us at grave risk.
Following a heartbreaking season last summer that saw three drowning deaths on the Sunshine Coast, lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are urging everyone to make safety a priority.
Their message is clear: Stop, Look and Stay Alive. The national campaign urges people to Stop before they enter the water, Look for the red and yellow flags to swim between and for any signs and warnings, and Stay Alive by assessing whether they have the ability to tackle the prevailing conditions, not going in alone, and only entering the water if it’s safe.
Who’s there to help protect you?
Sunshine Coast Council-funded professional lifeguards, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteer lifesavers, patrol our beaches with one shared mission: zero preventable deaths.
Their message is simple but vital: if you’re heading to the beach, choose a patrolled location and swim between the flags.
The 2025–26 volunteer surf lifesaving season has begun, and will run until early May 2026.
Last financial year (2024–25), more than 6.6 million people visited Sunshine Coast beaches, with lifeguards and lifesavers performing 550 rescues, 98,574 preventative actions and 7,696 first aid treatments.
Sunshine Coast Council’s $7.2 million annual contribution towards lifeguarding services ensures year-round patrol services and vital rescue equipment for our community and visitors to the region.
More than 124 professional lifeguards are employed across permanent, part-time and casual positions to cover 21 patrolled beach locations, from north Coolum to Bulcock
Beach in Caloundra.
What’s new this season
Several improvements will be made to lifeguard services between Coolum and Caloundra to ensure Sunshine Coast beaches are even safer under the Surf Life Saving Queensland – Sunshine Coast Council Lifeguard Service Plan 2023-28.
Among the most notable changes is an increase in lifeguard resourcing, including:
A roving lifeguard will now provide relief across multiple lifeguard service locations north of the Maroochy River, ensuring consistent coverage throughout the day.
Marcoola will now be covered with a second lifeguard during September, Christmas and Easter school holidays.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Operations Manager, Aaron Purchase, said the organisation valued its strong partnership with Sunshine Coast Council in keeping beachgoers safe.
“We appreciate Council’s continued support, which ensures our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers have the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively,” Mr Purchase said.
“As volunteer patrols return this weekend, we’re reminding everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags and stay aware of beach conditions.
“Rip currents remain a leading cause of coastal drownings, and regular patrols combined with public vigilance are essential to stay alive.
“It’s important beachgoers stop and assess the conditions, look for safety signs and patrol flags.”
To learn more visit the website: sls.com.au/stoplookstayalive
Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by volunteer lifesavers every weekend and on public holidays from 7am to 5pm during the summer season with extended hours to 6pm through the busy Christmas period. This vital service supports lifeguard patrols which occur year-round.
For more information on patrolled beach locations, times and conditions visit beachsafe.org.au.